“Orange County is one of the greatest places in the world to live. I was raised here, and my love for this community is deep, which is why I have dedicated my life and career to serving it – from serving on the School Board, to the City Council, to working in the nonprofit world.”

“We are all blessed to call Orange County home. But, at the same time, our community – and especially the first district – faces many challenges. Crime rates are rising, affordable housing is becoming more and more scarce, homelessness is rampant, and far too many residents are being denied access to basic health services. I have watched with growing concern as the Board of Supervisors has squandered our tax dollars on shameless self-promotion instead of working to address the issues we are facing as a community. I see a Board of Supervisors that is more interested in supporting a radical agenda than working to improve the lives of residents of the first district.”

“It’s time for change. I’m running for Supervisor to put the focus back on our community. It is time to reject petty partisan politics and instead pursue an agenda that will lift up all Orange County families. On the Board, I will use my experience serving a diverse community to work with Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and everyone in between to beef up public safety, slow the skyrocketing cost of housing, increase access to healthcare, and create more middle-class jobs. Together, we can ensure that Orange County remains the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.”

The first Supervisorial District includes the cities of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminster, the unincorporated community of Midway City, and parts of Fountain Valley. The first Supervisorial District is 42% Democratic and 24% Republican by registration – making it one of the most flippable major local offices in California.

Sergio Contreras, a husband, father, homeowner, and registered Democrat, has served on the Westminster City Council since 2012, where he successfully championed the largest upgrade to Westminster’s park system since 1996, encompassing 22 park facilities and representing a $10.4 million investment in the community. Contreras oversaw the city’s first general plan update in decades. He also placed emergency call boxes in all Westminster parks to enhance public safety, and fought to place outdoor exercise equipment in local parks to improve public health.

Contreras previously served on the Westminster School Board from 2004 to 2012, including serving as president of the board in 2012. On the School Board, Contreras helped pass a $130 million school bond to modernize Westminster’s school facilities and make them safer. In that role, he established an all-day kindergarten system, making Westminster School District the first in Orange County to provide day-long kindergarten at all school sites. Contreras also increased access to music and arts programs districtwide, while expanding after-school programs.

Contreras works as the Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools for the Orange County United Way, where he helps oversee dispersal of funds to disadvantaged students. Sergio lives in Westminster with his wife Adriana and their daughter and son.

Tri Ta, the 39-year old new Mayor of Westminster, was sworn in on Wednesday night, along with new council members Sergio Contreras and Diana Carey. Predictably they chose to appoint 83-year old Margie Rice as Ta’s replacement on the City Council.

Rice had previously said she was going to retire, but that obviously didn’t last long. She says the city needs her. But the City of Westminster is facing financial uncertainty and earlier this year laid off 67 employees, according to the O.C. Register. All of that happened on Rice’s watch so how exactly is it a good idea to put her back on the City Council? Continue reading→

83-year-old Westminster Mayor Margie Rice finally retired this month – but she is already seeking to un-retire. When Tri Ta won this year’s Westminster mayoral race, his seat became available on the Westminster City Council. And Rice wants back in.

Perhaps Rice wants to follow in the steps of deceased Westminster Council Member Frank Fry, who died this November, while finishing what turned out to be his last term? Continue reading→